Tips for a successful show season... A mom's perspective.
We have talked alot about what we need to do in regards to preparing the ride but no one has talked about what you need to do to prepare yourself. If you are not prepared 100% throughout the day, neither is your horse...
1. Clean and organize all your tack, boots etc the day before. If you are worried about misplacing things (remember alot of barns participate in these events) make sure your name & barn is on your stuff. Gather everything you need and place in the vehicle that is taking you to the barn the NIGHT BEFORE. Running around in the early morning trying to get organized stresses you and your parents and sets a negative tone for the rest of the day.
2. A good night's sleep. Yes you may be really excited, but getting lots of sleep will help you cope better with all the activities coming the next day.
3. Breakfast of Champions! As Sherri preaches. "CARBS, CARBS, CARBS". Make a batch of pasta or rice the night before and load up on the carbs the morning of the show. Try to avoid sugar as it is great at first but you will crash probably right before you are required in the ring.
4. Pack a nutritious lunch and snacks the night before. Yes, food can be purchased at the event however the lack of nutritional value will have you tired and unmotivated shortly after eating it. Be sure to also pack an apple or two for your partner in crime.
5. FLUIDS!!! Riding is hard work and you need to ensure you stay hydrated. I have seen all to often riders forgetting to take fluids in especially on hot days! Sports drinks are great because they replenish and provide you with the energy you will need to get the job done.
I am sure there are a thousand more pointers, and mom's feel free to weigh in, but these are the ones that I think are the easiest to accomplish. I can't wait to see the bigger WES show team in action this year. If they were worried about us last year, they are going to be terrified this year!
Go get 'em TEAM WES!
A very proud,
Mom #3
__________________
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be...
All very good points and tips to follow. You won't be sorry that you did!
If anyone is going to take a trip to Greenhawk - or any tack shop - to do some horse show shopping, you might want to price a nice white saddle pad for your pony/horse. It's always great to stand out in the show ring and nothing says "hey, look at me" than a bright white saddle pad. We have the school saddle pads to use, but they are a little worn, so if it's in the budget, that would be my suggestion to anyone who wants to buy anything. Maybe check with whoever you're sharing a horse with, to see if they already have a white saddle pad.
I have one for Monty - I just bought it at Greenhawk. It's really nice, it has a hunter green trim around the outside. Oh, and I got a matching girth cover.
__________________
Welcome to where ever you are, this is your life, you've made it this far!
as long as you are only using it on one horse. if you are awitching every week it might not be the best idea because you will have to wash it every time you switch and it will get worn very quickly
Hi WES !!!! I can't wait for the show !!! I mean im gunna come out and watch you ride !!! I hope you all do great and all the best in your future riding !!!!
no clue yea i totally agree with all the show pointers listed above unfortunately i tend to break all the rules lol i feel sick if i eat anything before a show. ill have a small amount of cereal before i go to the barn in the morning and then i have dinner when i get home. i am just not hungry if i eat anything even if it is healthy it makes me really sick. but i do try to drink lots. i often have to suffer the concequences of getting too wrapped up in the event and forgetting to drink. you get really dizzy and light headed and its really hard to concentrate especially if its really hot outside. :)
yes - i tend to break the rules too. you see......i stay up until about 2 hours before i have to get up, i eat barely anything.......maybe a reeses peanut butter cup......and then when i get to the show.....i feel quite energized for some weird reason......i think its called ADRENELINE!!!!!
yes - i tend to break the rules too. you see......i stay up until about 2 hours before i have to get up, i eat barely anything.......maybe a reeses peanut butter cup......and then when i get to the show.....i feel quite energized for some weird reason......i think its called ADRENELINE!!!!! hehe
I think you're right, Leanne. One of the tips was to load up on carbs before the show, so make sure you all have big plate of pasta the night before. You'll be nice and energized for the morning.
__________________
Welcome to where ever you are, this is your life, you've made it this far!
i have a big dinner the night before, go to bed fairly early, have a bagel or something for breakfast, and lots of granola bars. im a granola bar junkie! lol... plus lots of water. im always so hungry...
__________________
Some horses are big, some horses are small, but they are all loved, and adored by all
